Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Set to Open in North Dakota

The $100 million library and museum complex in Medora is nearing completion and will welcome its first visitors on July 4.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:34am

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The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) in Medora, North Dakota is in the final stages of construction and is expected to open to the public on July 4. The 100,000-square-foot complex, sitting on 93 acres, has been under construction since 2023 and will feature exhibits, classrooms, an auditorium capable of hosting presidential debates, and sustainable design elements like solar panels and a green roof.

Why it matters

The TRPL is expected to bring more year-round tourism and economic activity to the Medora area, which is a popular summer destination but often quiet in the winter months. The library will also serve as an educational resource, with a goal of hosting field trips for every fourth-grade student in North Dakota. The sustainable design of the complex also demonstrates a commitment to preserving the surrounding Badlands environment.

The details

The TRPL will be split into two buildings - an east building with offices, classrooms, and an auditorium, and a west building housing the museum exhibits. These exhibits will include a full-scale recreation of Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch, as well as the first public display of Roosevelt's personal journal detailing the tragic day he lost his mother and wife. The library's construction has involved partnerships with local North Dakota companies, providing economic benefits to the region.

  • Construction on the TRPL began in the summer of 2023.
  • The library is expected to be completed and open to the public on July 4, 2026.

The players

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

A $100 million library and museum complex in Medora, North Dakota that will celebrate the life and legacy of former President Theodore Roosevelt.

Jenn Carroll

Director of facilities, grounds and sustainability at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Marcie Woehl

Manager of public programs and education at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Marc Mellmer

Vice president at JE Dunn Construction, the company leading the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

Addison Olson

Sustainability coordinator for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.

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What they’re saying

“We will be squeaking into the deadline. We'll be working right up until the very end.”

— Jenn Carroll, Director of facilities, grounds and sustainability

“We have a goal of getting every fourth grader in North Dakota out to visit the library.”

— Marcie Woehl, Manager of public programs and education

“That's definitely one of my favorite components because it's so representative of T.R. It recreates the feelings he was working through.”

— Marcie Woehl, Manager of public programs and education

“It's going to be one of those places that is breathtaking to be at when all of this is in bloom in the summer. We're really doing whatever we can to create a better environment across western North Dakota.”

— Marcie Woehl, Manager of public programs and education

“It's like you're building a jewel box in one of the roughest conditions you possibly can.”

— Marc Mellmer, Vice president, JE Dunn Construction

What’s next

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is on track to open its doors to the public on July 4, 2026, marking the completion of a years-long project to bring this new cultural and educational institution to western North Dakota.

The takeaway

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library represents a significant investment in preserving the legacy of a former U.S. president while also serving as an economic driver and educational resource for the state of North Dakota. The library's sustainable design and focus on immersive exhibits highlight the team's commitment to honoring Roosevelt's connection to the Badlands region.